Atishi rises as Delhi CM amid party challenges

Atishi has emerged as the new chief minister of Delhi, becoming the third woman to hold this position in the capital. Her appointment comes in the wake of significant challenges faced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including the arrests of key leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia due to financial crime investigations. Atishi, who previously served as an adviser to Sisodia, is recognized for her welfare-centric political approach and has been a prominent figure in the party since its resurgence in 2015. The political landscape in Delhi has been tumultuous, particularly following the religious riots in early 2020 that resulted in numerous fatalities. The AAP is now grappling with a shift in voter sentiment, especially among Muslim constituents who appear to be leaning towards the Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi. This shift poses a significant challenge for Atishi as she seeks to maintain the party's influence and expand its reach across various social classes and communities. In her initial statements, Atishi emphasized her commitment to ensuring that Kejriwal remains a central figure in Delhi politics, indicating her intention to work towards his re-election in the upcoming elections. Her leadership will be closely scrutinized over the next six months, as her ability to navigate the party's current crisis and restore public confidence will be crucial for her political future. As Atishi takes on this pivotal role, the effectiveness of her strategies and her capacity to unify the party amid ongoing challenges will determine not only her success but also the future trajectory of the AAP in Delhi's political arena.